What We Do - Services offered at the ADRC of Dane County

 Download a copy of our ADRC brochure
 English | Hmong | Spanish.

 GENERAL ADRC INFORMATION AND SERVICES IN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE WITH ENGLISH CAPTIONING AND VOICE OVER

To view information regarding the Aging and Disability Resource Center and the services it provides in an accessible format for people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing please click link: https://livestream.com/accounts/14059632/events/6310620/videos/135137976

 INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE

We provide information to the general public about services, resources, and programs in areas such as: disability and long-term care related services and living arrangements, health, adult protective services, employment and training for people with disabilities, transportation, home maintenance and nutrition. ADRC staff will provide help to connect people with those services and to also apply for SSI, Foodshare, and Medicaid as needed.

 LONG-TERM CARE OPTIONS COUNSELING

We offer consultation and advice about options available to meet an individual's long-term care needs. This consultation includes discussion of the factors to consider when making decisions about long-term care.
 

 BENEFITS COUNSELING

The Aging and Disability Resource Center provides accurate and current information on private and government benefits and programs. This includes assisting individuals when they have questions or when they need help with the process of accessing Medicare, Social Security, or other benefits.
 

Elder Benefit Specialist Program

A Legal Services Program of the Area Agency on Aging of Dane County

The Dane County Elder Benefit Specialist (EBS) Program is administered by the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) of Dane County and is co-located and operated in partnership with the Dane County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). The EBS Program provides legal advice/representation for senior adults (age 60+) residing in Dane County that are faced with benefit, housing and other disputes or denials, complications, changes in benefits, claims not paid, and other similar issue groups that have an economic or socially isolating effect on the older adult.

Elder Benefit Specialists receive in-depth, on-going legal training. Elder Benefit Specialists (EBS), along with their program attorneys at the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR) and AAA management, prioritize legal case work based on client need.

EBS High Priority List:

• Housing issues – especially evictions;
• Any late appeal;
• Any appeal/denial/reduction of benefits with approaching appeal deadlines;
• Pharmacy or drug coverage issue where client needs medication immediately; and
• Issues that arise regarding breaking client confidentiality.

EBS Normal Priority List:

• Spousal impoverishment;
• Guardianship and POA issues/questions;
• Debt collections;
• Medicare Summary Notices (MSN) appeals or Explanation of Benefit (EOB) appeals and billing problems;
• Pharmacy drugs not covered by plan;
• SSA overpayments & notices;
• Any general benefit appeals or denials;
• Health Insurance Appeals & denials; and
• Loss or reduction of any benefit
• Same sex marriage benefit questions

Disability Benefit Specialists

Disability Benefit Specialists (DBS) may assist individuals between the ages of 18 and 59 who have physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental health issues and/or substance abuse issues. They provide counseling, advocacy, and technical assistance regarding:

• Medicaid (Medical Assistance)
• Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medicare
• Prescription Drug Assistance
• FoodShare
• Low-Income Tax Credits
• Insurance Issues
• Housing and Utility Issues
• And more!

The DBS may also assist with disability applications and appeal procedures. They remain current on changes in public policy and laws related to disability benefits, the services are confidential and there is no charge.

 ACCESS TO PUBLICLY FUNDED LONG-TERM CARE PROGRAMS

For people who request it, the Aging and Disability Resource Center will administer the Long-Term Care Functional Screen to assess the individual's level of need for services and eligibility for long-term care benefits. Once the individual's level of need is determined, the Aging and Disability Resource Center will provide information about the options available to him or her-to be placed on a wait list for a long-term care benefit program (if eligible), to stay in the Medicaid fee-for service system (if eligible), or to privately pay for these services.

 HIGH SCHOOL TRANSITION PROGRAM

If you are a young adult with a disability or family member of a young adult and are interested in learning about options after high school, our high school transition team can help. The ADRC has specialists who can meet with you in your home to identify resources and/or services that can help you as school services end and the transition to the life as an adult occurs.

At age 17 ½ or older feel free to contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center High School Transition Helpline at 608-240-7476 to request information on applying for Dane County Adult Services. An Information and Assistance Specialist (I&A Specialist) will explain the eligibility criteria and process. The ADRC is responsible for determining eligibility for Adult Waiver Services and will need to complete an assessment and gather required medical documentation of your disability. An I&A Specialist will are also able to explain Dane County’s guidelines for supporting adults with developmental and physical disabilities in the community.